Upper leg and hip exercise method and device to preserve knee and ankle joint while exercising.

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a user support where the exerciser can sit or lie on, a movement arm connector, a movement arm pivotally attached to the movement arm connector wherein the movement arm comprises a member pivotally attached to be placed on the user&#39;s thigh. Further it comprises an axis transformation adjustment, a double pivot axis mechanism to extend muscle movement in various axes. The present invention can be used as a resistant exercise machine and it can also be used as a bicycle wherein the pivot axis is located under the saddle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise method and device, and particularly relates to an exercise method and device with the purpose of preserving ankle and knee joint while exercising upper leg and hip. Further it relates to axis transformation adjustment, a double pivot axis mechanism to extend muscle movement in various axes.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

“Hip extension machine”, “45° power leg press machine”, “stationary bicycle”, “bicycle” are known as exercise devise for working leg or hip muscle groups. With these exercise devices, the curl bar or press plate or pedal is placed to the users foot, sole or lower part of the leg that the force stresses users knee and ankle joints. In some exercise devices, the user is in standing position that even the resting leg is not free of stress. Heavy leg and hip exercise is problematic for knee and ankle joints. With exercise devices and methods where the knee and ankle joint is in high pressure, it is apt to degenerate knee or ankle joint. Degeneration joint disease or osteoarthritis of the knee is very common in weight training population.

In recent years, population of older adult and overweight is increasing. Knee pain is one of the most common complications of being overweight or obese. It is hard to work leg and hip muscle which has problematic knee or ankle. However there are lack of exercise device to preserve ankle and knee joint while exercising legs and hips.

Bicycle is a preferable device for weak knee population. However, as shown in FIG. 2 the locus movement of the swing arm traces a circular arc taking the length of the swing arm as a radius. In this respect, with the device of existing bicycle, the radius of the swing arm is very limited. Therefore it is necessary to invent device which enlarge the radius of the swing arm. Further, hip and upper leg muscle work in various axes. Therefore it is necessary to invent a device that change the movement arm axis or that has two different axes in one single movement arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an exercise method and device capable of preserving knee and ankle joint while working the upper leg and hip muscle.

Further, leg and hip moves in different axes. Therefore to work these muscles effectively it is important to work these muscles in different axes. A further object of this invention is to provide an exercise device containing a movement arm which has more than two different axes in a single lever. By doing so, the user can work in different axes at the same time. In addition, this invention provides an axis changing mechanism that the user can change leg and hip working axes (from x-axis to y-axis) in his preference. It is preferable to provide various kinds of resistant elements.

Another object of this invention comprises a combination of said invention with a bicycle which moves forward when the lever rotates clockwise and idles when it moves counterclockwise. In this manner the bicycle moves forward with axis pivotally fixed near the hip joint therefore enlarging the radius of the swing arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view of hip joint range of motion;

FIG. 2 is a side view of radius of the previous bicycle swing arm;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the present device being performed with weight stack;

FIG. 4 is isometric view showing the present device being performed with barbell disk;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the present device being performed as a stationary bicycle;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the present being performed with weight stack;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing the present device being performed with two sets of weight stack;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing the present device being performed with one set of weight stack;

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the present device being performed with elastomer stack;

FIG. 10 is isometric view showing the present device and method being performed with barbell disk;

FIG. 11 is isometric view showing the present device being performed with axis transformation mechanism (x-axis);

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the present device being performed with axis transformation mechanism (y-axis);

FIG. 13 is a view showing the present device being performed as a stationary bicycle riding;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the present device being performed as a bicycle;

FIG. 15 is a view showing the present device being performed as a bicycle riding;

FIG. 16 is a side view of enlarged axis transformation mechanism (x-axis);

FIG. 17 is a frontal view of enlarged axis transformation mechanism (y-axis);

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing two-axis in a single lever mechanism;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view showing two-axis in a single lever mechanism;

FIG. 20 is perspective view showing internal configuration of the axis transform mechanism (x-axis)

FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing elements of axis transform mechanism (x-axis);

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view showing bicycle propulsion system;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view showing bicycle propulsion system;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view showing bicycle propulsion system;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view showing bicycle propulsion system;

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the axis transformation mechanism (x-axis) being performed with stationary bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. The details that would cloud the present invention will be eliminated. However they will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used in the following description are used for the purpose of description and element, and should not be regarded as limiting. Additionally, in the following description, it is understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. FIG. 1 is added to show a general side view of hip joint range of motion and FIG. 2 is added to show a radius of the previous bicycle swing arm.

The invention is described herein. The embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide an upper leg and hip exercise machine that avoids force on user's knee and ankle joint by placing movement arm assembly on the user's upper leg during exercise performance. In addition, user's body is in sitting or lying position throughout the exercise motion to decrease stress on the resting joint of the leg.

Further the embodiments of the present invention is designed to provide more effective upper leg and hip exercise device by placing the movement arm axis aligned with the hip joint or by providing diverse movement axes by placing two different axes in a single movement arm. In addition, it provide a combination of said device with bicycle which moves forward when the arm rotates clockwise and idles when it moves counterclockwise. In this manner the bicycle moves forward with axis pivotally attached near the hip joint while the movement arm assembly is placed on the back of the use's knees.

An embodiment of the present invention include a user support 20, and at least one movement arm 32 pivotally attached to the frame near with the user's hip joint, and at least one member 56 pivotally attached to be placed on the back or front of user's upper leg, and an exercise arm axle 44. A user torso support 26, and at least one foot plate 61, and at least one knee support 63, and handles positioned forward of the torso support 20 is preferable.

FIGS. 4 and 7, show practical example of the invention include. The main frame is a fixed frame structure and includes a horizontal side strut 18, 19; a horizontal cross strut 14; a support upright 15; a vertical exercise arm support member 12, and a horizontal connecting strut 15. The main frame 10 also includes support feet 61 at the support upright 15. The main frame 10 includes a torso support 26 on the support upright 15 which a torso support pad is mounted to support the user's upper torso during performance of the exercise. The torso support is designed to be placed in front of the user's chest in a practical example of the invention shown in FIG. 4, 6, 7. However the torso support is designed to be placed on back of the user in a practical example of the invention shown in FIG. 11, 12, 13. The exercise device preferably comprises torso incline angle adjustment assembly 27 and movement arm length adjustment 52. The main frame 10 supports the seat of the user and provides a fixed structure to which moving assemblies are connected (FIG. 3, 6, 8). Otherwise the main frame supports the moving assemblies and the weight stack while the user's weight is supported by the seat (FIG. 4, 7). In the case of bicycle, the frame is a bicycle frame.

A practical example of the invention include a resistance exercise device as depicted in FIGS. 3,4,6,7,8,9,10, which in the case of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3,6,7,8 is a selectorized weight stack assembly 71. However, that the source of resistance may include, without limitation, a weight stack, weight plates mounted on pegs (FIG. 4,10), or other types of resistance such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, friction, springs, elastically bending rods, elastic bands (FIG. 9), or the like. The selectorized weight stack assembly 71 is connected to the main frame 10 at the ends of connecting strut and weight stack support strut. One skilled in the art will recognize the methods of providing resistance, and these alternative methods are within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 3-25, further includes an exercise arm assembly 56. The exercise arm assembly includes at least one assembly pivotally attached on the rear end of the rotating exercise arm 32 to be placed on the user's back or front of the thigh wherein said has a pad support and pivot bracket. In a practical example of the present invention, the rotating exercise arm 32 has a pivot sleeve 36 and a pull pin that allows a user to adjust the position and orientation of the exercise arm assembly in the exercise starting position (FIG. 4), and includes selectorized movement arm angle adjustment assembly 34 which is connected between the movement arm 100 and frame 10 (FIG. 11,15,16). The opposite, front end of the rotating exercise arm has a counterweight 49 that balances the exercise arm assembly, so that it's position and orientation may be more easily adjusted. A safety pin (50) is located to prevent arm from rotating over the user's range of motion (FIG. 4).

In a practical example of the present invention, the exercise arm 32 preferably comprises a knee pad mounted on the end of the movement arm and configured for engagement by a respective knee of the user's leg (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 3-15 and the accompanying descriptions are simplified to convey and enable the basic structure and operation of these embodiments. The embodiments of FIGS. 3-15 may include any or all of the components and features described and depicted with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 16-25. The present invention encompasses all such variations. Accordingly, the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 16-25 is expressly incorporated with respect to each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-15.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-15, the user's lower legs exert a force on the thigh pad 56. In response, the thigh pad 56 moves downwardly and backwardly in a path as the exercise arm 100 rotates. Those skilled in the art will recognize that are known within the scope of present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, 16, 17, 20, 21 further includes an axis transformation mechanism connected between the movement arm axle 44 and movement arm mounting frame 42. As best shown in FIG. 21, the axis transformation mechanism is composed of a hinge 74, a hinge base 98, a hinge axis 99, a roller (sprocket) 48, a roller (sprocket) case 77, a set of groove 98 formed in an external surface of a base, movement arm mounting frame 42, a bearing 94, a movement arm 100, movement arm angle adjustment assembly 34, an axis baring plate 102, an axis baring plate case 104, an axle 44.

An embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 18, 19 further includes a second axis mechanism connected to the first axis mechanism. Therefore the movement arm rotates in two axes, downwardly and outwardly or upwardly and inwardly at the same time. The double axis mechanism is composed of an axle 44, a first roller (sprocket) 48, a first roller (sprocket) case 77, a bearing 94, a movement arm 100, a second roller 111, a second roller case 110, a cylindrical base.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the present device being performed with axis transformation mechanism (x-axis); FIG. 12 is a front view showing the present device being performed with axis transformation mechanism (y-axis);

A practical example of present invention, as depicted in FIG. 5, 8-13 further includes device being performed as a stationary bicycle (FIG. 313). FIG. 15 is a view showing the present device being performed as a bicycle; FIG. 16, 20, 21, 26 is a view of enlarged axis transformation mechanism (x-axis); FIG. 17 is a view of enlarged axis transformation mechanism (y-axis); FIG. 18, 19 is a perspective view showing two-axis in a single lever mechanism; FIG. 14, 15 is a perspective view showing the present device being performed as a moving bicycle; FIG. 22-26 are an enlarged view showing examples of bicycle propulsion system; 

I claim:
 1. An upper leg and hip exercise method and device comprising; a movement arm connector, a user support seat adapted to support a user in a sitting position or lying position, an exercise arm assembly pivotally connected to the movement arm connector for rotation about pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including an exercise arm pivot axis having a user engaging portion which is adapted for engagement by the user's leg or foot when the user is supported in an exercise position on the user support seat,
 2. An exercise method and device to preserve ankle and knee joint while exercising upper leg and hip, comprising; a movement arm connector, a user support seat adapted to support a user in a sitting position or lying position, an exercise arm assembly pivotally connected to the movement arm connector for rotation about pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including an exercise arm pivot axis having a user engaging portion which is adapted for engagement by the back of the thigh of the user when the user is supported in an exercise position on the user support seat,
 3. An exercise method and device to preserve ankle and knee joint while exercising upper leg and hip, comprising; a movement arm connector, a user support seat adapted to support a user in a sitting position or lying position, an exercise arm assembly pivotally connected to the movement arm connector for rotation about pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including an exercise arm pivot axis aligned with the user's hip joint, having a user engaging portion which is adapted for engagement by the back of the thigh of the user when the user is supported in an exercise position on the user support seat,
 4. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the user engaging portion of the movement is cushion padded.
 5. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, further comprising a torso support to support respective back torso of the user or front torso of the user,
 6. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the seat or the frame includes at least one handle for gripping by a user.
 7. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, further comprising a source of resistance associated with the movement of at least one of the exercise arm assembly.
 8. An exercise method and device according to claim 7, wherein the source of resistance is a selectorized weight stack.
 9. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, further comprising a movement arm angle adjustment mechanism associated with one of the exercise arms, the movement arm angle adjustment mechanism being configured for adjustment of an exercise angle of the exercise arm relative to the mounting frame.
 10. An exercise method and device according to claim 7, wherein the source of resistance is a weight plates mounted on the pegs.
 11. An exercise method and device according to claim 7, wherein the source of resistance is an elastic band or rod.
 12. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises torso incline angle adjustment assembly and the movement arm length adjustment.
 13. An exercise method and device according to claim 12, wherein the angle adjustment assembly comprises an index pin,
 14. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, comprising at least one rod and a foot plate or pedal, one end of the rod is pivotally connected to the movement arm and other end is pivotally connected to a foot plate or a pedal.
 15. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, comprising a foot plate mounted on the forward portion of the mounting frame and configured for engagement by a respective foot of the user.
 16. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a knee pad mounted on the forward portion and configured for engagement by a respective knee of the user's resting leg.
 17. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a knee pad mounted on the end of the movement arm and configured for engagement by a respective knee of the user's leg.
 18. An exercise device comprising at least one movement arm, wherein one movement arm comprising double pivot axis mechanism,
 19. The exercise device according to claim 18, wherein the double pivot axis mechanism comprising, an axle, a first roller(sprocket), a first roller(sprocket) case, a bearing, a second roller, a second roller case, a cylindrical base, a movement arm,
 20. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein an exercise arm comprising a double pivot axis mechanism,
 21. An exercise method and device according to claim 20, wherein the double pivot axis mechanism comprising an axle, a first roller(sprocket), a first roller(sprocket) case, a bearing, a movement arm, a second roller, a second roller case, a cylindrical base.
 22. An exercise method and device according to claim 18, wherein the user engaging portion of at least one exercise arm is rotatably mounted and configured for rotation between inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly facing positions for performance of outer and inner and upper and downer thigh and hip exercises, respectively.
 23. An exercise device comprising: a frame; at least one movement arm pivotally attached to a frame; where in a movement arm comprising an axis transformation mechanism,
 24. The exercise device according to claim 23, wherein axis transformation mechanism comprising, a hinge 74, a hinge base 98, a hinge axis 99, a roller(sprocket) 48, a roller(sprocket) case 77, a set of groove 98 formed in an external surface of a base, movement arm mounting frame 42, a bearing 94, a movement arm 100, movement arm angle adjustment assembly 34, an axis baring plate 102, an axis baring plate case 104, an axle
 44. 25. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the axis comprises axis transformation mechanism,
 26. An exercise method and device according to claim 25, wherein the axis transformation mechanism comprising: a hinge 74, a hinge base 98, a hinge axis 99, a roller(sprocket) 48, a roller(sprocket) case 77, a set of groove 98 formed in an external surface of a base, movement arm mounting frame 42, a bearing 94, a movement arm 100, movement arm angle adjustment assembly 34, an axis baring plate 102, an axis baring plate case 104, an axle
 44. 27. An exercise method and device according to claim 18 or claim 23, wherein the user engaging portion of at least one exercise arm is rotatably mounted and configured for rotation between inwardly and outwardly and upwardly and downwardly facing positions for performance of outer and inner and upper and downer exercises, respectively.
 28. An exercise method and device according to claim 1, wherein the exercise device is a bicycle,
 29. An exercise method and device according to claim 28, comprising a propulsion system for bicycle which moves forward when the movement arm rotates clockwise causing the chain wheel to rotate clockwise and idle when it moves counterclockwise.
 30. An exercise method and device according to claim 28, wherein the movement arm pivot is attached to the bicycle frame under the saddle.
 31. An exercise method and device according to claim 29, wherein the a bike propulsion mechanism comprises: a sprocket, a chain assembly operably connected to said sprocket, and a drive wheel of a bicycle, said chain assembly being capable of imparting a forward or clockwise rotation to when said pedal sprocket is driven in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
 32. An exercise method and device to preserve ankle and knee joint while exercising upper leg and hip, comprising: a frame, a user support seat adapted to support a user in a sitting position or lying position, an exercise arm assembly pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including an exercise arm pivot axes aligned with the user's hip joint, having a user engaging portion which is adapted for engagement by the back of the thigh of the user when the user is supported in an exercise position on the user support seat, 